Thanks to 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union for sponsoring this post. All opinions are authentically my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Tilley’s lights on and creative juices flowing!

Let’s face it. Money is stressful.

I don’t know about you but I am CONSTANTLY learning new things when it comes to saving, spending, debt, insurance and beyond.

Every survey I fill out for my undergrad experience usually includes a note from me at the bottom that mentions these elements and how I believe there should be a mandatory, in-person, class on them! Can I get an amen?!

So when Erica from 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union reached out to me about giving me a financial check-up, you better believe I was screaming, “yes please!”

Erica and I were supposed to meet the week Parker was born so we had to bump it back. After finally sitting down with her, I learned SO MUCH! It was like the class I always wanted but personalized to my needs!

For our meeting, she had reviewed our credit report and had compiled a list of ideas and suggestions based on our personal goals: paying off debt (in a modified Dave Ramsey style) and saving!

What I learned from meeting with 1st Advantage Credit Union’s relationship manager:

1. Credit Unions are financial institutions, like banks, except the members own the credit union. They are not-for-profit entities that aim to focus on members only vs customers and stockholders separately. 1st Advantage is a community-based credit union so anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in the Hampton Roads area and Richmond can become a member and take advantage of these benefits.
2. Rates are at an all-time low so now can be a great time to refinance your mortgage, car, or consolidate credit card bills.
3. Taking out a home equity loan can be helpful to have as a repair safety net if you have good equity in your home! For instance, if you need a new AC unit but don’t have the cash, you can pull money out for it at a lower rate than a credit card. BUT if you never need the money, you are not penalized for having the loan. It just simply goes unused. (It, however, is not a good idea if you will not have the money to eventually pay it back. This is because your house is the collateral, meaning it could get taken!)
4. If you have a payday loan with a high-interest rate, they can help! They offer similar payday loans but also require that you start a savings account. This allows you to eventually get out of the payday loan cycle and start saving money!
5. Money Market accounts are great for saving because they offer interest on your money! Not as much interest as a stock would but still a great option! Of course, you have to have a minimum balance and can’t withdraw from it often.

While some of these elements might fit into my family’s financial plan and some might not, I could see that they could be so helpful for others just to look into and explore!

The biggest thing that stood out to me about Erica and 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union was that they truly wanted to help their clients to get in the best financial shape possible. Whether it benefited them or not.

THIS, in a money-hungry world, said so much to me about their company!

THIS, is why I felt comfortable sharing them with YOU!

For more information on 1st Advantage visit their website at 1stAdvantage.org or if you are in the VA Beach area and want to contact Erica directly, email EKraehmer@1stadvantage.org.